Angular 2 is taking the development world by storm, with its amazing ability to build contemporary and scalable applications. Nonetheless, Angular 2 is a must have tool for any established full-stack or front end developer looking to create mobile and desktop applications.

Therefore, it's important to consider the information that you need to take onboard before choosing to spend your time on various Angular 2 tutorials. Sometimes it can be quite difficult knowing where to begin (so we've done the hard work for you)!

The tips in this article will give you a great starting point for learning Angular 2 and help you discover what you need to know about Angular 2 before you begin the learning process.

1. Who should be learning Angular 2?

Angular 2 was released towards the end of 2016. It is a JavaScript framework that has lengthened its influence into mobile and desktop applications. Angular 2 is a great programming language for web developers looking to expand their development into building applications.

2. What language is used in Angular 2?

Angular 2 uses the TypeScript programming language. It is an open-source language created and supported by Microsoft. This is a slightly different configuration from Angular JS, which is usually programmed in JavaScript. But don't fret — there's no need to hit the panic button if you have been using Angular JS.

TypeScript is actually a subset programming language of JavaScript. So if you have knowledge of JavaScript that means that TypeScript will come to you relatively. TypeScript incorporates all the main features of JavaScript but builds on that with its own extremely useful features as well.

3. Can you learn Angular 2 without knowledge of Angular 1?

The short answer — yes! However, should you?

Importantly, a distinction must be made between Angular 1 and Angular 2 to help you reach a decision. They are basically two entirely different frameworks. Angular 2 incorporates breaking changes. What this means is that the code is not compatible with Angular 1. So, if you do not need to work in a project that is supported by Angular 1, you can jump right in to learning and using Angular 2.

If you have no prior existing use of either, but know JavaScript we recommend you head straight for Angular 2 as it does iron out quite a few of the problems present in Angular 1 and is essentially an upgraded language more fitting to the current development environment.

4. What are the important features of Angular 2?

Angular 2 has broadened the range of its platform to include mobile app development. The platform includes several essential features that make it easy to learn and a great tool for creating applications.

Angular 2 is modular - The programme utilizes design that accentuates the functionality of a programme into autonomous modules that can be readily substituted. The end result is a transition to increased functionality and a smoother operation.

Angular 2 is lightweight – Angular 2 is incredibly lightweight as a programming language. It carries an incredibly small memory footprint. The result of this is that creating applications become easier and less clunky. They can be crafted with minimalism and also (very importantly) are stress-free to implement.

Component Based – Angular 2 is completely component based. Controllers and $scope (features in Angular 1) are out the window and are reformed by components and directives. The component-based system assists in the wide-ranging functionality of Angular 2.

4. Do I pay for tutorials or do I use the free information available?

Whether to pay for tutorials on the Internet is a dilemma. As a rule of thumb we recommend that you try the free resources first and figure out if they provide you with all the knowledge you need to take your learning forward. New resources are coming out all the time; so a little research on your behalf may save you in your back pocket.

If you are a complete novice into the world of programming it may pay (literally) to help get up to speed. The difference with paid resources is that they are often updated to reflect the changes in programming systems as they occur. Free resources on the other hand are usually more one dimensional and not as frequently updated

5. How can I distinguish whether tutorial content is up to date?

It can be hard to figure out whether tutorial content is up to date; particularly with the rapid rate that programming technology is evolving. In fact, the Angular 4 tutorial by Udemy has recently been released, which is an update of Angular 2. Furthermore, hot off the press, Angular 5 is in the pipeline too. It does become difficult to keep up with.

The key is not to panic with all the updates that are happening, as Angular 2 will have relevancy for some time yet. Often languages build on each other as well, so if you learn one and a later version is released; it is still possible to cope. A good starting point is to figure out what is being used on the projects you will work on, or would like to work for creating applications? This way you can ensure you are in sync with your development team, or the needs of your clients, so you can deliver the work!

We hope this article will help you unearth more information about Angular 2. What advice would you give to others looking to learn Angular 2? Also what tutorials have you found helpful? Add to the discussion below with your input.